For more than 100 years, Des Moines Public Schools has provided an outstanding education to the students of our community. Today, our school district is a leader and innovator in public education, offering families some of the best educational choices in Iowa as we become the nation’s model for urban education.

Home to more than 60 schools located in every neighborhood of the community, Des Moines Public Schools provides families with choices to meet the educational needs of students from preschool through college-level courses.

With nearly 33,000 students and more than 5,000 employees, there are a lot of stories to tell about the work and accomplishments that take place each day at Des Moines Public Schools. From news releases and articles to our mobile app and social media, keep in touch with Iowa's largest provider of public education.

From teachers and principals to bus drivers and food service workers to financial analysts and technology specialists, Des Moines Public Schools is home to a dedicated team of professionals who all - directly and indirectly - contribute to the education of our students.

What sets DMPS apart? We provide families with more educational choices than any place in Iowa, educate top student scholars who go on to attend leading colleges and universities around the world, and are home to teachers recognized throughout the state and across the country as the best in their field.

The people of Des Moines elect seven members to serve as their representatives on the School Board. In turn, the Board is responsible for the governance of Iowa’s largest provider of public education. Learn more about your elected School Board members, and access information about past and upcoming meetings.

New and Improved School Hours at DMPS

Better Support for All Students

The number one job at Des Moines Public Schools is the education of more than 33,000 students. It is what every teacher and every employee – both directly and indirectly – make as their top priority each day. And we are always looking at ways to do even more to support our students.

That is why, beginning in August 2018, DMPS will implement new bell times – or school hours – throughout the district. The new hours, compared to the current hours, are:

The new hours essentially flip the current hours, so elementary students begin the day a little earlier while middle and high school students would start a little later.

This change is being made to better meet the needs of our students. Much research points to how this helps students as it better matches up with the sleep patterns of children at different ages, along with many other factors that will contribute to the success of students.

Des Moines Public Schools realizes that this is a change that would affect nearly everyone in the school district, from students and their families to our teachers and staff, and appreciates the support to do the right thing for education.

For more information relating to the new school hours, including a letter from Superintendent Ahart, please visit the links to the right.